The Nerd Ceiling and Digital Body Language

The Neurodiversity Coach Newsletter

Welcome to The Neurodiversity Coach Newsletter. As an Executive Coach, Leadership Trainer and self-professed geek, I've had the opportunity to work with neurodiverse leaders and coach them through leadership and workplace challenges. Each week I share resources and insights for neurodiverse leaders.?

In this issue we address how some of us get stuck in our careers and one resource that may be helpful.

________________________________________________________________

The Nerd Ceiling and Better Digital Body Language

He’s smart—of that, there is no doubt. His ideas rise above his peers on a regular basis. He knows his idea is the best one too—so he rarely approaches co-workers from a place of humility.?

She knows her stuff and easily works harder than those around her. She is dedicated to the product in ways that defy even her leader's expectations. She has learned to get results with blunt language and she doesn’t put up with complaining from those who don’t have solutions.?

For both of them, the majority of the “work” is excellent but even they know there is room to grow in their empathy and communication.?

Two things have also conspired to make their task even more difficult:?

1. Those younger than 35ish years old these days will rarely pick up the phone and make a phone call. Most communication is made asynchronisticly and/or in a messaging format. Even long-form email is less common than slack or other internal tools.?
2. The response to the pandemic of 2020 shifted any remaining face-to-face communication to remote for nearly every tech organization.?

This has been devastating to the career progression of nerds. I have spoken to countless leaders who are stuck at their same job level with the feedback that their technical skills are tremendous (maybe even genius) but they are missing the human skills that are required for them to take the next step.?

All is not lost, however—one of the first things I discover with these leaders is that they are aware of their shortcomings and really want to do something about them. They want to grow as humans and they are committed to growing their empathy and communication skills.?

One book that I found recently that really makes an impact for these leaders—and also anyone who is struggling with the new communication paradigm—is Digital Body Language by Erica Dhawan. Some of the most important concepts from the book:?

1. The importance of digital body language: Dhawan argues that just as we communicate with body language in face-to-face interactions, we also communicate through digital body language in our virtual interactions. Digital body language includes things like response time, word choice, and use of emojis. Being mindful of digital body language can help managers and employees build stronger relationships and avoid misunderstandings.
2. The power of empathy: Dhawan emphasizes the importance of empathy in digital communication. When we can understand and relate to the perspective of the person we are communicating with, we are more likely to have productive and positive interactions.?
3. The need for clarity: With digital communication, there is a greater risk of misinterpretation and misunderstanding. Dhawan encourages clear and concise communication to avoid confusion and ensure that everyone is on the same page.
4. The role of culture: Different cultures may have different norms and expectations when it comes to digital communication. Dhawan suggests that managers should be aware of these differences and adjust their communication style accordingly to build trust and rapport with employees from different backgrounds.

I’d love to hear what you think about this concept of a Nerd Ceiling and the concept of improving your Digital Body Language.?

??_____________________________________________________

Neurodiverse Leadership Resource Library

Want more resources on neurodiversity leadership? We are finding and creating resources for you. Watch this section expand every week.

Jan 26: Nerds (and Geeks) are Leaders Too!

Feb 2: People are More Difficult than Algorithms

Feb 9: Your Straight Talk is NOT Authentic Leadership

Feb 16: The Trouble With Neurodiverse Leadership (Forbes Article)

Feb 23: Why Am I So Anxious?

Mar 2: What if My Neurodiverse Boss Sucks with People?

Mar 9: Neurodiverse Leaders and the Power of One on One Conversation

Mar 16: He Only Cares About Himself

Mar 22: Neurodiversity Makes For Better Leaders (Sometimes)

_______________________________________________________

Staying In Touch

What leadership challenges are you facing??I’d love to hear from you - feel free to set up a time to chat here:?Let's talk!

Make sure you never miss an issue! Click the "subscribe" button in the upper right-hand corner of the page. For more articles and insights,?connect with me here.